A Journey Through Time and Nature

As I embarked on the Berber Journey through the Atlas Mountains, I was immediately struck by the raw beauty of the landscape. The journey began in Marrakech, where our driver whisked us away to the serene Ouirgane Valley. The air was crisp, and the morning sun cast a golden hue over the hills of red soil, rich with clay and iron. It was a scene that seemed to have leaped straight out of a painting.

Our guide, a local Berber, greeted us warmly in the village of Marigha. Here, salt is mined in ancient wells, a practice that has been passed down through generations. The brine is left to evaporate in salt basins, and the resulting salt is carried on donkeys to neighboring villages. This traditional method of salt production is a testament to the sustainable practices that have been preserved in this region.

As we hiked through the wild national park of Toubkal, the panoramic views of the valley were nothing short of breathtaking. The native forest of junipers and aromatic flowers enveloped us, and the small terraced gardens of isolated hamlets revealed an old traditional irrigation system, a marvel of ancient engineering.

Embracing Berber Culture

After a couple of hours of hiking, we descended to a river surrounded by olive trees, figs, pomegranates, almonds, walnuts, and apples. The entrance to the village of Anraz welcomed us with an old stone door, a gateway to a world where time seemed to stand still.

We were treated to a traditional organic Berber meal, a feast that tantalized the senses with its rich flavors and aromas. The hospitality of the Berber people was heartwarming, and their connection to the land was evident in every dish served.

Post-lunch, we visited an ancient stone oil press, still in use today, grinding olives around a donkey or mule. The rhythmic sound of the press was a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of life in this part of the world. Nearby, an old Jewish synagogue stood as a silent witness to the diverse cultural tapestry that has shaped this region.

A Symphony of Nature and Humanity

As we continued our trek through fields of maize, barley, seasonal flowers, and vegetables, we encountered Berber women gathering firewood and hay, their laughter echoing through the fields. The girls sang as they fetched water, and the men and boys worked the irrigation system, a scene that painted a picture of harmony between humanity and nature.

Leaving the fields behind, we were greeted by the stunning view of Ouirgane Lake. The afternoon sun danced on the water’s surface, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that marked the final scene of our trek.

This journey through the Atlas Mountains was more than just a hike; it was an exploration of a culture deeply intertwined with nature. The Berber people’s sustainable practices and their reverence for the land left a lasting impression on me. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving these ancient traditions and the natural world that sustains them.